Tag: winter driving

Being a careful driver and taking precautions goes a long way to ensuring your safety on the roads. Unfortunately, no matter the season or conditions, there is a risk that we may be left waiting for awhile. Perhaps it’s the result of weather conditions and we’ve slipped on some ice, maybe the soft shoulder has pulled us into the ditch, or our vehicle has some engine troubles. Being prepared for this is just as important as being a safe driver.

An annual maintenance check to make sure your vehicle is in good shape and all fluids are topped up is a solid first step. Another good idea is to keep a survival kit in your vehicle, since having essential supplies can provide comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation recommends to include:

This season always reminds me of my arrival in Canada during a cold winter nine years ago. I was new to the country and everything was covered in snow, this made it even more special, more… unique. It was like I was a kid again, amazed by the novelty of a new place. I remember my first snowball fights and snowmen, rolling a snowball and being completely amazed that it actually grew larger, jut like I had seen in cartoons when I was a kid.

With this new place also came new driving rules and techniques; winter driving was not something I was used to before.

I remember my first winter driving, the nervousness; the respect for snow and ice; and the weird sensation of snow hitting your windshield on a snowy day as if I was aboard the Millennium Falcon. I failed my first driving test when I skid into the middle of an intersection because it was snowing when I first took the test (I understand now that it was a good thing I failed because I obviously was not ready for it). Today I am much more comfortable and feel safe behind the wheel during winter, with some solid years of experience behind me, I always keep in mind my first lessons learned. My speed and driving are always according to the weather conditions, I always take my time and leave enough distance between my vehicle and the car in front, and I am always aware and cautious of snow and ice on the road.